About SIGCHI

About SIGCHI

Learn more about SIGCHI and our activities in Human-Computer Interaction.

What is SIGCHI?

SIGCHI is the premier international society for professionals, academics and students who are interested in human-technology and human-computer interaction (HCI). We provide a forum for the discussion of all aspects of HCI through over 20 sponsored and over 40 in-cooperation conferences, publications (eg. OpenTOC: Table of Contents page), communities, web sites,, and other services. We advance education in HCI through workshops and outreach, and we promote informal access to a wide range of individuals and organizations involved in HCI. Members can be involved in HCI-related activities with others in their region through Local SIGCHI chapters. SIGCHI offers support to our members through our SIGCHI Executive Committee Development Fund, Student Travel Grant, Specialized Conferences Development Fund and Gary Marsden Student Development Fund.

Who are members of SIGCHI?

Many of our members are involved in the design, implementation and use of interactive computer-based systems in the broadest sense, ranging from desktop computing, to interactive TV devices. Other members are researchers seeking to understand human-technology interface from many perspectives, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, industrial design, and ergonomics. Still others are educators, training tomorrow’s professionals and providing knowledge of HCI to those who might need it within their own profession. Students also take an active part in SIGCHI and enjoy a number of services designed specifically to meet their needs.

Members work in fields as diverse as user interface design, human factors, computer science, psychology, engineering, graphics and industrial design, entertainment, and telecommunications. From the design of new input devices, to the implementation of the most advanced virtual reality systems, we contribute to the leading edge of current practice and research that shapes the present and the future of HCI.

Why should I join SIGCHI?

Join SIGCHI to open the door to a wealth of HCI resources and people. We provide a connection to colleagues around the world through the SIGCHI web site, email lists, the annual CHI conference, co-sponsored conferences, and a range of publications essential to keeping you up-to-date.

Every year the CHI conference attracts over 2500 attendees and presents an exciting program of up-to-the-minute tutorials, workshops, technical presentations, demonstrations and much more. Examples of SIGCHI-sponsored conferences include CSCW (Computer Supported Cooperative Work), UIST (User Interface Software and Technology), DIS (Designing Interactive Systems), and ACM Multimedia. Registration rates are discounted for members for all of these events.

Our flagship publication is interactions, which provides newsworthy information and feature articles on HCI topics in a magazine-style format. The Bulletin is a supplement to interactions that keeps members up to date on SIGCHI happenings. Both of these periodicals are included with your membership. Transactions on Computer Human Interaction (TOCHI) is a journal focusing on research on HCI and is available to members at a discount.

Whatever your level of background in HCI, no matter what type of organization you work in, SIGCHI will connect you to colleagues who share your interests and relish the opportunity to share their enthusiasm for HCI with you.

Where can I be active in SIGCHI?

Attending SIGCHI-sponsored conferences in an excellent way to get involved, extend your network of associates, and discuss the latest developments in the field. At Local SIGCHI chapter meetings, members can take advantage of presentations by experts in the many related fields of HCI, local networking, job banks, and short courses. There are local SIGs in most parts of the world.